WINTER RACING
WINTER RACING
ROAD - GRAVEL - MOUNTAIN
In winter racing, maintaining comfort is essential for optimal performance. Cold and wet conditions can dampen your motivation and hinder your racing effectiveness. Whether you're racing for the win, or simply racing for the pleasure of finishing an event, ensuring dry and comfortable hands and feet is pivotal for overall well-being and peak performance.
Our specialists share valuable tips and lesser-known techniques to keep you comfortable in any winter racing conditions.
PERFECTING WINTER RACING
SIX TIPS TO THE MOST COMMON WINTER RACING CHALLENGES
We have dedicated over two decades to providing cyclists with reliable solutions to keep their hands and feet dry, warm, and comfortable. We see this as the essential elements of any good ride, and with our extended product line of cycling wear, accessories, and more, you can add those little details that make a big difference on your next ride.
PERFECTING WINTER RACING #1
Find the right layers
Layering is key when winter racing. The higher intensities and rough conditions often mean finding the right layers to put on can be challenging. When Winter racing, it is important to reduce the number of layers and keep breathable items to avoid overheating. However, it is crucial to layer up before and after the race the stay warm, when you are warming up, cooling down or simply hanging around.
Testing the gear leading up to a race, by for example riding with a higher intensity for a sustainened amount of time can be a good approach to getting to know your gear and fine tuning your gear selection on race day.
PERFECTING WINTER RACING #2
ADOPT Versatile clothing
When racing, you ideally want to keep your body at a comfortable temperature. If you are too warm, you end up spending too much energy, and start sweating, which can ultimatley result in you getting wet and cold.
Being versatile during a winter race can bring your performance to the next level. By adopting versatile clothing such as a WindBuster Windproof Vest with a double zipper, you are able regulate ventilation when riding the bike and adjust on the go.
Shop WindBuster Windproof Lightweight Vest
PERFECTING WINTER RACING #3
PAY ATTENTION TO THE WEATHER
During the winter, weather can be ver
PERFECTING WINTER RACING #4
STAY COVERed and warm Pre & post-race
Tackling the pre-race and post-race correctly is crucial in winter racing. Neglecting warming up can result in more energy spendage at the start of the race to try and warm up the body. Aside form the general uncomofort, starting a race cold can hindre your performance.
It is recommended to warm up with warm clothing, which you take off shortly before the race. Similarly, it is important to layer up again after the race to keep the body warm. The sweat and cold combination can quickly become unpleasent and lead to sickness.
PERFECTING WINTER RACING #5
DOn't forget THE ESSENTIALS
When racing, it's important to keep your hands and feet warm and dry, especially in cold and wet weather. There are several reasons for this:
Performance: Cold, wet hands and feet can affect your performance on the bike, as energy is diverted away from your muscles.
Comfort: Cold, wet hands and feet can quickly become uncomfortable and make it difficult to enjoy your ride. By
keeping them warm and dry, you'll be able to ride for longer periods of time without discomfort.
Safety: Cold, wet hands and feet can become numb and lose their dexterity, making it difficult to grip the handlebars or operate the brakes and gears effectively. This can increase the risk of accidents or injuries while cycling.
PERFECTING WINTER RACING #6
REMEMBER EMERGENCY LAYERS
When racing in the winter, unwanted challenges occur more than one would like. Punctures, mechanicals and physical defects happen. Having the versatility to layer up in those circumpstances can be key. Similarly, changing weather can also impact your race heavily negatively impact your race.
Having an extra layer of clothing in the pocket can be the difference between a good day on the bike and a day you would rather forget.
By taking an outershell like the RainMaster Waterproof Lightweight Jacket can offer you the security of extra protection in the case of an unwanted hindrance during your race.